rex_b
Guest
How would one take their first leap into scuba diving? Where does one start and what escalates from there?
Thanks for the tips.
Thanks for the tips.
Scuba Newb
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Hi Rex,
Best thing to do is look up your local yellow pages and finding your nearest Local Dive store (lds). Then its a case of calling into a couple of them and talking to the instructors and finding out which agency and course takes your interest!
SF
Best thing to do is look up your local yellow pages and finding your nearest Local Dive store (lds). Then its a case of calling into a couple of them and talking to the instructors and finding out which agency and course takes your interest!
SF
MSilvia
Contributor
The first step is to find a dive shop near you. Better yet, find several and decide which one suits you best.rex_b:
If you've never tried diving, and want to see if it's for you, ask them about "discover diving", and see if they can get you in the pool to try it out after a quick lesson. Some shops can do this, some don't.
If you like it, or you're already sure you want to dive, you need to sign up for an Open Water Diver class. Ask around at the different shops to see how much they charge, how many classes you get, how much pool time is involved, and find out what gear you have to buy, and what they'll rent to you.
Once you get a good grasp on how much each shop charges and what you get for your money, sign up for the one that seems like you get the best education for your money. Cost alone shouldn't be the deciding factor, but there are other threads here you can look up about selecting a class.
Once you're signed up, you'll learn the basics and be certified for life. Your card is a lot like a learner's permit... you can dive with it, but it doesn't mean you're a competant diver, just that you've got the background you need to start diving and growing more comfortable with it. I believe most agencies OW cert clears you for dives to 60'.
From there, what you do with it is up to you. Some people never take another class, and are content to make an occasional div on vacation. Others seek further training, do more advanced dives, and make it a part of their weekly or daily routine. You can get into photography, hunting, science, sightseeing, shipwrecks, search and rescue, caves, instructing, or even commercial or military diving... it's up to you.
Wijbrandus
Contributor
Rex,
Worry less about the Certifying Agency and way more about the instruction. Find several shops and try a "Discover Scuba" course from the ones that make you feel the most comfortable. Try to talk to the instructor for a while before taking the class. This way you can find an LDS that is most compatable with your learning style.
Whatever you do, don't allow yourself to be pressured into buying any gear beyond your mask fins and snorkel!!! Take the time to rent over several dives and try out many options for gear. There are all sorts of philosophies and styles, try them before buying.
Worry less about the Certifying Agency and way more about the instruction. Find several shops and try a "Discover Scuba" course from the ones that make you feel the most comfortable. Try to talk to the instructor for a while before taking the class. This way you can find an LDS that is most compatable with your learning style.
Whatever you do, don't allow yourself to be pressured into buying any gear beyond your mask fins and snorkel!!! Take the time to rent over several dives and try out many options for gear. There are all sorts of philosophies and styles, try them before buying.
OP
rex_b
Guest
Thanks for the tips guys, here is my lds website. I'm not sure if you can tell anything from it but maybe you guys can see if it looks good or not?
cajundivers.com
cajundivers.com
OP
rex_b
Guest
Just to add I also found this one lascubaandtravel.com/LASCUBAHOME.htm . I guess I just don't know what to look for. hehe
call them up and talk to them, or visit their store. See if they appear professional, and willing to work with you on learning how to safely learn to scuba. Check out their attitude and mannerisms. See if they are interested in you, or just selling you ... the discover scuba course is great if offered ...
Sasquatch
Contributor
mred:
Better yet, visit the store as described. Attitude, mannerisms are very important. Ask to meet an instructor, too.
Best of luck!
You know, I'd bet you'd find better instruction with an independent instructor (see the link in my sig for some thoughts on the quality of most LDS instruction). It will probably be more expensive but you generally get what you pay for (besides, if you end up enjoying scuba, OW will represent a small fraction of what you're going to end up spending).
Now, I'm not sure how to go about finding one but if you go to the appropriate geographic forum on this board, I'm sure someone can help you.
Good luck.
Now, I'm not sure how to go about finding one but if you go to the appropriate geographic forum on this board, I'm sure someone can help you.
Good luck.
If the first thing they mention is the equipment you need to buy before you can do the course run a mile.
Don't be forced into buying load of gear until you know you want to continue diving.
An important question is class size. More than 6 then you are not going to get much one on one instruction.
Ask to watch a pool session, have a chat with the students, how happy the students are is a good indicator of how the class is going.
Don't be forced into buying load of gear until you know you want to continue diving.
An important question is class size. More than 6 then you are not going to get much one on one instruction.
Ask to watch a pool session, have a chat with the students, how happy the students are is a good indicator of how the class is going.
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